The Ampera – General Motors’ Europe’s derivative of the Chevy Volt – will be made with right-hand drive from 2012, about a year after LHD European sales start.
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That means we will see it here in the UK as a Vauxhall; Europe (plus the odd RHD market like Ireland) will see Opel badges.
The wheels of the five-door, four-seat Ampera are turned electrically at all times and speeds. For journeys up to around 40 miles (60km), it runs on electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery’s energy is depleted, electricity from the on-board engine-generator extends the range to over 300 miles (500km).
The Ampera can be plugged into any household 240V outlet for charging. GM Europe is analysing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain, parent company of UK supplier Scottish Power.
“Advanced lithium-ion battery technology is the key to getting the Ampera into the hands of consumers,” said Hans Demant, GME vice president of engineering.
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By GlobalData“The engineers at our research and development centre in Mainz-Kastel, Germany, are testing the battery round the clock, 365 days a year, to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of our customers.”
The Ampera’s battery pack will be manufactured by GM at the first lithium-ion production facility to be operated by a major automaker in the United States.
The nearly silent electric drive unit delivers 370Nm of instant torque, the equivalent of 15bhp, zero to 60mph (96km/h) acceleration in around nine seconds, and a top speed of 100mph (160km/h).
Research by GM in Europe showed that approximately 80% of drivers travel less than 30 miles (50km) daily. Based on current fuel prices, GME predicts that the Ampera will cost roughly one-fifth of the current cost per mile of an equivalent petrol engined car.
